Enhanced Sub Performance

wlrandall

As the owner of a pair of PSW350s, I've been generally happy with them for music, but still think something is lacking when it comes to movies. Of course, the obvious answer is to ditch them and get an SVS, but that is not an option at this time.

Being also into pro audio, I have pretty good exposure to various effects, enhancers, etc... About a year ago I purchased I purchased an enhancer made by BBE, being their model 482. Makes a huge difference in SQ with far-field speakers; not only with music but also with speech. Tight, punchy lows and very discernable highs. It really adds that crystal clear sound that many of you are familiar with from clubs and concerts.

I got a wild hair one day and decided to try one at home. Their model 362 may be "last year's" model, but for sub use the results are incredible. They still don't have the bottom feeder response of the SVSs, but I have never heard tighter, chest pounding bass out of these Polks for as long as I've owned them. With Monsters, Inc. as my demo I have to say that I am more than impressed with this thing...the whole freakin' house moves; what used to be a too subtle sound is now a resounding BOOM.

If interested, this effect can be had for anywhere from $79-$199 depending on the model and store. Info can be found here:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--BBE362

http://www.zzounds.com/item--BBE482I

Wally

VR3

Maybe it is just me, but the concerts I have been to have over exagerated bass, that is boomy, loud, annoying and down right over pounding for its own good. The highs are dirty and etching and the mids sound like over used cough drops!

Now....

What do you hear?

I mean, I bet those are the results you heard, but it makes no sense to me on your statement about crystal clear sounds at concerts and clubs.

phoneisbusy

wlrandall , I'm not a pro-audio guy. Is this for equalizing the sub to counteract any room issues? Can you tell I'm not a pro-audio guy from that question?

Thanks

Dave

Slightly off topic but I browsed the site and found a Terratec DMX 6 Fire sound card for $99. Supposedly 60% off. Very tempting but no cash! Maybe someone else who's looking for a new card?

Pauly

Maybe we(I) can get a tech inside on how these work for the sub and is it really good for the sub(s)


Spaz

VR3

Well if the thing is actualy playing louder, it could be reaching it's limits very easily. It was designed to play as loud as it can at a certain volume, so I would imagine if you 'enhance' or 'amplify' the subwoofer at certain frequencies or all together it could put alot of strain on the woofer and the amplify. It could also cause alot of port noise.

It is kind of like these little cubes that hit very low. As Doc said "Small enclosure, lots of amp, eq, low frequency, loud volumes = Distortion"

However, you are looking at a small/mid size enclosure, a relatively small amp, an exstended frequency response and a boosted spl at certain volumes. It would be kinda like a gained cd.

I just can't see this as being healthy for the subwoofer in the long run. I could easily imagine that you would blow it after long periods of play time. I dont know, I am no expert, but just being at concerts and hearing them 22 inch woofers, small voice coils, large amps play, with them kind of EQs - I can't see it being any different.

Pauly

thats was i was kinda thinking. I mean the sub was made to produce "x" and you add "more power" then its now produces "z" and was not designed for that. I mean i see it as like comparing putting NOs to your car. after a while of using it and getting that "z" out of it, probably will rapidly decrease the life of you sub (engine). Dunno thats how i see.